Assured United to contain Roma
Do you believe in miracles? Because that is exactly what is needed for Roma to progress to the Europa League final. Some desperate defending and confident attacking play from Manchester United saw the Red Devils come from 2-1 down to win 6-2 in the first leg at Old Trafford. Paulo Fonseca’s men are around a 50/1 shot to overcome the deficit, we have seen it before when Barcelona beat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 at Camp Nou to write off a 4-0 first leg loss, but that is widely deemed as the greatest comeback of the century. The scoreline should be more respectable but I cannot see Roma getting anywhere near progression.
Reverting to type
Ever since taking over the reigns from Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shored up the Manchester United defence. Many of their victories particularly away from home in the Premier League have come when hitting teams on the counter attack, with the four goal lead up his sleeve I feel that the Norwegian will be content with sitting back and containing Roma, and giving some well earned respite to the likes of star man Bruno Fernandes. Harry Maguire amongst much criticism have been a great servant over the last two seasons, always standing up to be counted in the biggest matches and dragging the more inexperienced defenders around him up to his level. Expect the England international to marshall his side safely into the final in the second leg.
Dare to dream
Roma are now just two points above eighth placed Sassuolo in Serie A, occupying seventh place which would earn them a spot in the inaugural Europa Conference League. Ensuring they qualify for that competition is more realistic and now given the first leg scoreline, more important than their Europa League dream. Therefore even with the four goal lead, as they have no stress domestically, Manchester United still have more to play for in this encounter than the hosts. They will not risk fluffing this opportunity.
Goals?
The goal line is very high so I am looking to oppose goals here.
- Roma have scored in eight of 10.
- Roma have conceded in nine of 10.
- Roma have seen both teams score in seven of 10.
- Roma have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
- United have scored in nine of 10.
- United have conceded in five of 10.
- United have seen both teams score in five of 10.
- United have seen over 2.5 goals in five of 10.
Without the pressure for attacking output, United can squeeze a low scoring success in this one.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
A 3-2 win was a strong effort from Roma, but they go out 8-5 on aggregate.